This is our go-to, easy, and delicious Italian bread recipe. It can be used for everything from hoagie bread to pizza.
Basic Bread Recipe
Course: Bread, PizzaIngredients
1 Tbsp yeast
1 3/4 c warm water
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp salt
4-5 c flour
1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Sesame seeds
Directions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup water. Let it rise until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 1/2 c water, olive oil and salt stirring gently.
- Stir in flour 1 c at a time until no longer sticky. It may require more or less flour depending on humidity.
- Remove from bowl and knead 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly coat bread bowl with olive oil and return the dough back to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel and let raise in a warm place until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Using a fist, “punch” down the dough to deflate. Separate into to 2 equal parts.
- Shape into desired loaf shape (baguette style, round loaf, braided, etc.).
- Coat pan with olive oil and place loaf on the pan. Cover and let it raise an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Lightly brush the loaves with egg wash and sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- For a more golden crusty bread bake at 425 for 25-30 minutes.
